PGA 36-Hole Challenge at Strathmore

PGA 36-Hole Challenge is set on a beautiful course that sits just along from the more well-known Blairgowrie.
Strathmore has always been a favourite of mine. Each hole is completely different, and the best greens I’ve played on. I was looking forward to this test as I’d worked on my game more in the past weeks.

We were blessed to have AIIR Environmental as a clothing sponsor. As one of the owners is a believer, he was keen to support us going forward, and it was nice to have both the Logos Golf Ministries Scotland name and the LGMS logo on my shirt and cap. 

My group on the first day consisted of two younger pros, one of whom I knew and the other I hadn’t met. It didn’t take long for my acquaintance to notice the shirt, and I got to explain the relationship with LGMS, the sponsor, and the outreach day we have at Falkirk Tryst.
We had a conversation a few years back at an event, and this carried it forward to the point of me mentioning that we’re trying to get another Pro-am organised, and would he be interested in attending. He said he would, and that was encouraging. 

As we played the rest of the front 9, I did get the opportunity to ask my other playing partner if he had a faith to which he simply replied no. There wasn’t much else that came from that, and I left it there, but he now knows what I do and where I am. He was very young, and I remember at that age, if anyone had asked me about that, I’d have probably steered away from it. 

We still had an enjoyable game, and there was some good golf in there. This was probably the most consistent I’ve played this year, and despite a few slack shots, I managed to get it round and not have too early a time the next day.
At the end of the round, I mentioned to the older playing partner that I’ll make a point of giving him a call to come and see him at his club, whether it’s for coffee or a few holes. He was happy to do so, and this was great to hear.

PGA 36-Hole Event,
Day 2

On the second day, I had my dad caddying for me, and I was playing with my old boss from Westerwood and another young pro I’ve known these past few years. Both these guys don’t talk about the faith aspect, and I thought I’d leave it till the opportunity presented itself. 

After a slightly nervy start, I managed to settle things down quickly, and this was all down to prayer. I’d learned that from the last time and won’t make the same mistake again.
It helped that I holed a lengthy birdie putt on the 6th, and from then on, I felt fine. I’ve always felt a bit apprehensive playing with my old boss, and maybe this is natural, but something changed that day, and from that point on, the apprehension was gone. I think this was a real moving-on point and something I needed to do. From then on, I felt free in my game, and maybe there was a subconscious restriction I’d never realised. It was nice to play the back nine in 1 under and have a fairly consistent tournament.

My Dad and I decided to have a bite to eat with my old colleague, and it was nice to have that half hour with him, even if we didn’t get the chance to get into anything too meaningful. He doesn’t allow himself to go there, but it’s important to show him that we care and always will. He’d mentioned that he had a health scare recently, and although he doesn’t believe in fate thought someone was looking out for him, but not God. Before we left, I hugged him and said there are no such things as coincidences and that someone is looking out for us all, always. I then mentioned I’d always be there for him, should he need me. He is in my prayers.

We keep going in faith,

Vincent Brown, PGA Professional and Ambassador for Logos Golf Ministries Scotland

To get in touch with Vincent, click here